Paul Kushner
Miami is known for being a luxurious vacation spot filled with high-end restaurants, nightclubs, beautiful beaches, and a great art scene.
Enjoying the great water views is one of the best parts about visiting Miami.
No matter what reason you have for being in Miami, you can’t miss sitting outside, taking in the views at least once.
There’s no shortage of bars on the water in Miami; they’re not all in Miami or South Beach.
Check out my list of the best waterfront bars in Miami below!
The Lido Bayside Grill
40 Island Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (786) 245-0880
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The Lido Bayside Grill is one of my favorite waterfront bars in Miami.
It’s nestled on Belle Isle, which is right between the mainland and the barrier island where Miami Beach is.
It offers some of the best city and water views you’ll find. It’s elegant and the epitome of Miami.
The menu here is filled with handcrafted cocktails, wine, and a lengthy beer list.
Some of my favorite cocktails are the Cup of Life and Sunshine Juice.
They have a full menu, too, if you get hungry while you’re here.
Monty’s Coconut Grove
2550 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33133
Phone: (305) 856-3992
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You’ll find Monty’s Coconut Grove in Coconut Grove.
This casual waterfront bar overlooks several small islands where boaters like to gather and has a great atmosphere.
I love the tiki hut roof and live music. Monty’s menu features all the tropical cocktails you could want, wine, and beer.
You can’t go wrong with a classic Miami Vice or Rum Runner when you’re here.
Their food is delicious, too, so check out the raw bar if you’re peckish.
Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill
1819 79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village, FL 33141
Phone: (305) 866-1570
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You’ll find Shuckers Waterfront Bar and Grille on North Bay Village, between the mainland and Miami Beach.
The atmosphere at Shuckers is lively yet casual, so don’t be surprised if you see people partying on boats nearby or dancing.
Shuckers’ menu features everything you could want at a waterfront bar.
I love their happy hour here because you can get discounted pitchers, which are great for sharing with friends.
No matter what cocktail you order, ask for them to serve it in a coconut!
Monty’s Sunset – South Beach
300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 672-1148
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Monty’s Sunset on Miami Beach is the place to be if you’re looking for a more upscale waterfront bar.
The inside is elegant and features warm tones, but I love sitting outside and enjoying the weather.
They have DJs regularly, so be ready to get up and dance.
Monty’s Sunset has a full bar and food menu for you to order from.
I always like getting a margarita or mojito and their mahi mahi sandwich here.
Amara at Paraiso
3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305) 676-9495
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Amara at Paraiso is a large and lively waterfront bar just east of Wynwood.
Two floors to the bar allow for even more views of the water.
It’s very Miami, with many white walls, furniture, and fun music. The food and drinks are elegant here.
Even if you prefer beer or wine, the cocktails at this bar are a must-try, even if it’s just for their looks.
The Mayan Sunset comes in a coconut, and it’s delicious.
Rusty Pelican – Miami
3201, Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: (305) 361-3818
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Rusty Pelican is a beautiful restaurant on Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne.
It’s one of the most famous waterfront bars because it offers unparalleled views of the Miami skyline.
This is the bar for you if you want to feel like a VIP. You can visit this bar for lunch, dinner, and brunch, but I prefer happy hour.
My favorite happy hour cocktail is the One in a Melon.
They also have discounts on their calamari which go well with any drink.
The Wharf Miami
114 SW North River Dr, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 906-4000
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The Wharf Miami is along the Miami River, so you get beautiful waterfront views and city views simultaneously.
It’s a super cool outdoor venue that features food, drinks, live music, and events throughout the year.
The drinks at The Wharf Miami range from classic beer to wine to unique cocktails.
You can order whatever you want here, but I usually go with a local craft beer or a classic mixed drink while enjoying the views.
Smith & Wollensky
1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 673-2800
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Smith and Wollensky are on the southernmost end of South Beach between the lighthouse and a small beach park.
Unlike other waterfront bars in Miami, it’s a classic American steakhouse, so it’s luxurious but in a traditional way, not in the vibrant, nightlife Miami way.
You’ll find a fully stocked bar at Smith and Wollensky and a delicious menu filled with all sorts of steaks, seafood, and side dishes.
I suggest ordering a nice bottle of wine to share with friends over your meal and waterfront views.
Nikki Beach Miami
1 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 538-1111
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Nikki Beach is one of Miami’s most famous waterfront bars and restaurants.
Nestled on Miami Beach, this spot is fully outdoors with live music, sandy floors, cabanas, and beautiful photo ops.
Drink-wise, they can make almost anything under the sun, but I highly recommend getting their jalapeno cucumber margarita.
It’s a little spicy yet refreshing on a hot day.
If you plan on eating while you’re here, their famous sushi boats are the way to go.
American Social
690 SW 1st Ct, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 223-7004
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Another great waterfront bar is American Social. It’s on the Miami River and features a casual and upbeat atmosphere.
They have TVs for all sporting events and live music regularly.
The menu here features a little bit of everything.
I love their mimosas during brunch because you can choose the juice you want, but besides that, their strawberry margaritas are some of the best.
If you’re hungry, their mac and cheese are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge
412 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 440-4200
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The Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge is an excellent option for fine dining with waterfront views.
It’s right on the Miami River and features beautiful brown wicker furniture with high-end decor, greenery, and white tablecloths.
You’ll find high-end menu items like their octopus a la plancha.
As for the drinks, I love splitting a bottle of champagne or ordering a classic cocktail like a dirty martini.
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